The White-winged Duck (Cairina scutulata) , or White-winged Duck Wood Duck as it is often known, is one of the most critically endangered bird species in Asia. Nowhere in its relatively wide range, from Assam throughout South-east Asia to Sumatra, can it be said to be secure. The species inhabits forests of lowlands or level plateaux and is always found in close association with water bodies-either ponds or the sluggish reaches of rivers and streams. It has suffered greatly not only because of habitat destruction but also due to hunting for food. Writing in 1914, H.C. Robinson was able to report that the White-winged Duck was “Fairly common on the rice fields upcountry in Bandon and almost down to the coast, generally in pairs but sometimes in larger numbers.” Were it not for the fact that this assessment was delivered by one of the most capable and reliable ornithologists ever to have worked in the region, we should scarcely credit it. Even in the most remote areas of, say, Sumatra (which is thought to hold the most substantial White-winged Duck populations) it is doubtful whether anyone would today describe the species as “common”. This is, perhaps, a measure of the enormous losses of wildlife which have been sustained during the past few decades.

It has come as a welcome surprise in recent years to find that small numbers of White-winged Ducks are still present in some of Thailands's protected areas. Post-1985 records have come from both Huai Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai in the west, as well as from Yot Dom on the Cambodian dorder. We are delighted to report that persistent rumours of birds in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Chaiyaphum province have at last been most decisively confirmed, Parinyakorn Voravan saw a pair there on 19 July 1990 and, on the following day presumably the same two adults were seen with 4 ducklings!

Evidently , the White-winged Duck is rather good at remaining unobtrusive and this has almost certainly helped its survival. Two birds seen in Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in April 1988, landed on a forest lake in the late afternoon, about one hour before dusk. They only remained in view on the water for about 30 seconds before flying off to roost for the night in a tall forest tree. Even though we were up before dawn hoping for view on the following morning, the birds left well before first light and we heard their calls fading off into the distance. Parinyakorn Voravan also reported that he had to wait on the shore of a lake around dusk in order to observe his birds.

Further records of the White-winged Duck are urgently needed as the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is currently preparing a comprehensive review of its status. We'd also like to encourage those observers who would like to see White-winged Duck to search new areas rather than visiting known sites and perhaps causing inadvertent disturbance. Some likely areas where the White-winged Duck has not yet been found include Kaeng Krachan national park, Umphang, Mae Wong and some of other newer parks and sanctuaries in the west as well as, perhaps Nam Nao national Park.